Carbon Monoxide Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to have an annual professional inspection of all fuel- burning appliances — including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers and space heaters — to detect deadly carbon monoxide (CO) leaks.

These appliances burn fuels. Under certain conditions, these appliances can produce deadly CO, but with proper installation and maintenance, are safe to use. Make sure your appliances are inspected for adequate ventilation Never block ventilation air openings.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any fuel. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu, and include
headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Exposure to high levels of CO can cause death.

“CO poisoning associated with using fuel-burning appliances kills more than 200 people each year and sends about 10,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment,” said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown.

CPSC recommends the yearly, professional inspection include checking chimneys, flues and vents for leakage and blockage by creosote and debris.

CPSC also recommends that every home should have at least one CO detector that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard.

The CSPC protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270.

Consumers can obtain recall information at CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov or via Internet gopher services at gopher.cpsc.gov. Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

Here's some information to help protect you and your family.

• What can I do to protect myself and my family?
  You should have your furnace and fireplace cleaned and inspected before each heating season. Use non-electrical space heaters only in well-ventilated areas. Don't start or leave running cars, trucks or other vehicles in an enclosed area.
  
• Should I get a carbon monoxide detector?
  Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can help alert you to increased level of carbon monoxide in your home. BUT THEY ARE NOT FOOLPROOF.
  

These guidelines should be followed:

• CALL — if you have a detector, its alarm sounds, or if you're experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and don't have a detector,, leave your home and immediately call your local emergency services number or 911.
• CHECK — if your detector alarm sounds and you have no symptoms or carbon monoxide poisoning:first check the detector, push the reset button (if available), turn off any appliances or other sources of combustion, get fresh air to the building, and check for sources of carbon monoxide. Adjust, repair or replace as needed by calling a qualified service company.

Information from C-MAC (Carbon Monoxide Awareness Coalition) and provided by ACCA-NCC (Air Conditioning Contractors of America-—National Capital Chapter): 301-384-ACCA.